There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks&Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spenser, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from M&S Money Direct, you get more, and you pay less.

Not so long ago, only banks and traditional insurance companies offered financial or insurance products, yet today it may often seem as if even the local corner shop is offering financial products. That's not quite true, of course, but many more companies do offer financial products than used to be the case, and it can sometimes be difficult to decide who is offering the best deal.

And, while Marks and Spencer once offered mostly fashion products, with the only hint of a credit card being when you paid for your shopping at the checkout, today you'll find as good a deal on M&S credit cards as you will with the latest range of M&S fashion.

In fact, these days Marks & Spencer, through its M&S Money Direct website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S House Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

M&S Money Direct offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car Insurance policies are much the same is usually a bad idea. At worst it can be a very expensive mistake - this is when you find out that your Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Direct Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with M&S 5 Star Premier cover Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsburys, or Tesco Direct:

• Personal UK and European Breakdown Cover automatically included
• Comprehensive cover for trips abroad in the European Union - up to 90 days per trip
• Courtesy car during approved repairs automatically included
• Cover for Motor Legal Protection automatically included

So, it is clear that, besides being good value, M&S Car Insurance also provides much more extensive cover than some of the top competitors. Additionally, you don't even need to be behind the wheel to benefit from M&S Money Direct UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Pure Silk Abstract Print Lightweight Scarf, at Marks & Spensers
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk abstract print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Younger Girls' Hello Kitty Wellie Boots, at Marks n Spencer
Wellie style Round toe Hello Kitty motif Cloud, sun and droplet print Handle detail Lined 1976-2009 SANRIO CO. LTD

Dyson DC25 Animal Vacuum Cleaner, at Marks and Spencers
Mini turbine head: Cleans pet hair and dirt from confined spaces such as upholstery, stairs and the car Ball™ technology: Steers smoothly with a turn of the wrist Root Cyclone™ technology: Patented technology that doesn't lose suction power as you vacuum Motorised brush bar: Powerful bristles remove dirt and pet hair from carpets. Turns off to protect delicate rugs and hard floors Washable HEPA filter: Clean expelled air. Ideal for allergy sufferers Telescope Reach™ wand: Wand and hose extend for high reach and stair cleaning while the vacuum remains upright and stable Bin capacity: 1.3 litres Weight: 7.4kg Suction power: 220 AW (constant) Cord length: 7.5 metres Max reach: 12.3 metres Dimensions: W392 x H1071 x D310 Includes: Combination tool, mini turbine head, stair tool, operations manual and quick start guide M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free 2 year guarantee, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Little Acorns Musical Glitter Globe, at Marks&Spencer
Contains: 1 snow globe Approx size: H140mm

Mixed Bead Multi Strand Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Rope chain Multi strand design Mixed bead Necklace length 46cm, extendable by 8cm

2 Halves of Dressed Fresh Canadian Lobster, at Mark & Spensers
Serves 2 2 halves Ready to eat 184g total weight As featured on page 22 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

125 Years Luxury Wool Rich Flat Front Trousers with Cashmere, at Marks and Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Fabulous vintage style inspired by our archives

Autograph Monroe Bedstead, at Marks & Spencer
Headboard: H110cm Endboard: H48cm Double: L222 x W150cm King size (5ft): L232 x W165cm Super king size (6ft): L232 x W195cm Leather upholstery Mattress sold separately Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Addison Side Table, at Marks and Spenser
H55 x W40 x D40cm With 1 drawer Made from American Black Walnut solids and veneers, with Beech veneer on unseen faces Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawer pulls are solid wood due to their shape All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered. Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Seville Pepper Mill, at Marks and Spencers
Acylic and brushed chrome design Fitted with a durable stainless steel mechanism Fully adjustable mechanism from fine to coarse grinds just tighten or loosen the knob Lifetime guarantee Comes filled with Pepper Approx size: L5.5 x W5.5 x H14cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Anodised Aluminium 16cm Saucepan, at Marks and Spencers
Charcoal-coloured aluminium design Non-stick interior for low-fat cooking and easy cleaning Excellent heat distribution with no hot spots Clear lid with handle Handwash only Riveted handle for durability Suitable for all cooker types except induction Diam: 16cm Capacity: 1.5 litre Oven safe to 180C/350F/gas mark 4, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Griffin Road Trip with Smart Scan, at Marks and Spencer
Play music from your iPhone or iPod on your cars stereo system Charges your iPhone or iPod as you listen Switch quickly between presets Griffin-exclusive SmartSound Plus technology delivers clearest possible sound under real-world conditions Flexible steel neck and interchangeable iPod model-specific cradles position your iPod perfectly within reach, never in the way The look and functionality of a custom installation in your car without the cost or inconvenience Antenna:Built-in Power:Provided by your cigarette lighter or 12 volt power outlet (no batteries required) RF Output Range, US: 88.1 MHz -107.9 MHz Radio Frequncy Increments, US: 0.2 MHz per step Input Voltage Range: 12 - 16 volts DC Maximum Current: 2 amps Output Voltage: 5 volts DC at 1 amp Fuse Type 2 amp blade-type automotive fuse

M&S 24 Litre Shredder, at Marks and Spencers
Destroy important personal documentation Shreds credit cards, CDs and DVDs 15 sheet shred capacity Bin full indicator Finger safe system Auto start up Accepts paper clips and staples Reverse option One touch safety cut off Continuous shredding upto 2.5 minutes Easy to set up and operate M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Blue Nostalgic Photo Anniversary Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: With you both a happy anniversary Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 175 mm x 125 mm

Formula Age Restructure™ Contouring Neck Cream & Calcium Complex, at Marks and Spencer
Calcium complex to firm and improve the structure of the sagging skin Collageneer a lupin extract to strengthen and improve skin elasticity Ovaliss ™ to contour the double chin effect and Pullulan to immediately tighten and Creatine to energise boosting fatigued skin Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic 50ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Platinum Plated Cross Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Rope chain Platinum plated Cross pendant Length: 40cm

Younger Boys' Disney Cars Slippers, at Mark & Spencers
Lightning McQueen motif Grip sole Contrast trim Disney

Per Una Tassel Trim Chenille Scarf, at Marks and Spenser
Sure to become a favourite you'll wear all the time, this warm scarf in soft chenille features a funky design for a fab modern look.

2 Mosaic Stackable Chairs, at Mark & Spensers
H96 x W56 x D56cm Seat: 44cm Sold as a pair Seat cushion made from shape-retaining foam Metal frame Diamond pattern mosaic design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Slim Fit Poplin Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Autograph Corsage Alice Band, at Marks and Spencer
Dress up those tresses in fabulous style with this pretty floral corsage alice band

2 Pure Cotton Drawstring Joggers, at Mark & Spencers
Comfortable enough for crawling or napping in, these soft cotton joggers are a practical and fashionable choice

Autograph Pure Cotton Royal Oxford Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

M200 Mattress - Medium, at Marks & Spencer
Single (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Soft pillowtop layer Spring Count: 522 Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress Does not require turning Manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Straw Snap Trilby, at Marks and Spenser
Make a stylish impression with this trilby. It adds a smart touch to formalwear and looks contemporary with casuals

Flat Front Plain Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and stylish, this suit is outstanding value! It's made from comfortable hardwearing fabric, ideal for everyday wear

Birds With Flowers Anniversary Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: Wishing you lots of love on your special day Inside Message: Happy anniversary 176 mm x 126 mm

Autograph Leather Lace-Up Apron Shoes, at Marks n Spencer
Square toe Stitch detail 3 eyelets Lace-up Apron design Block heel

2" Longer Pure Cotton Quick Iron Hairline Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Stylish and innovative, this hairline stripe easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

White Pearl Damask Thank You Cards - Pack of Ten, at MarksandSpencer
Inside message: Blank for your own message 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: 155 x 110mm

Besides Marks & Spencers Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct House Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Money Direct Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your Marks and Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier House Insurance and Standard House Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.